According to Saudi residency rules, once young foreigners reach that age, they have to change their occupation on their iqamas (residence permit) from “student” to another job and find new sponsors.
“My iqama is about to expire. I am dreading this moment as I may face some difficulties. I am working at a small private establishment to which I cannot transfer my sponsorship as its future is not guaranteed,” said Saeed Jabir, a young Eritrean expatriate.
He said he was dreaming of transferring to a well-established private company.
Many expatriate students have not seen their home countries. They were born in the Kingdom and have since been under the sponsorship of their fathers. When they reach 25, they tend to look for stable companies or good Saudi individuals to transfer their sponsorship to.
Expatriates with student status tend to take up temporary jobs at small establishments until they get better positions.
“I do not intend to transfer my iqama to the small company where I am working as a secretary, because it falls short of my dreams and aspirations,” said Sami Ihsan, a young Yemeni expatriate. He said he was still waiting for a chance at a big company that would ensure him stability in the Kingdom.
Ihsan, who is over 25, is worried that he may not find a good kafeel (sponsor).
“My family has been pressing me to transfer my iqama to the small company where I am working. I have my fears because the establishment is small and has only just started up. There are no guarantees that this company will continue,” he said.
All the big companies make it a condition for foreigners to transfer sponsorship to them before they are given jobs.
“These companies may face problems with the labor offices if they employ a large number of foreigners. They are obliged by the law to appoint a certain number of citizens as part of Saudization policies,” said Abdullah Abdul Khaliq, an expert in the business sector.
“Jobs in private companies where handling money is a responsibility, such as accountants, salesmen and cashiers, necessitate the transfer of iqamas. They cannot be taken up by employees who are not sponsored by these companies.”
